Engineering Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Environmental Engineer Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median environmental engineer salary in Los Angeles, CA is $141,357 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median and 5.8% above the California state average.

City Median
$141,357
vs State Avg
+$7,745
vs National
+$44,537
Cost of Living
146%

Environmental Engineer Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median environmental engineer salary of $141,357, which is $7,745 above the California state average of $133,612. Compared to the national median of $96,820, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $141,357 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $96,820. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for environmental engineers in Los Angeles spans from $89,060 at the 10th percentile to $216,080 at the 90th percentile — a $127,020 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $93,440, while senior environmental engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $207,320. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Environmental Engineer Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level environmental engineer earns around $93,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $207,320 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$93,440
+$29,440 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$143,080
+$45,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$207,320
+$65,320 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $89,060
25th Percentile $110,960
Median (50th) $141,357
75th Percentile $178,120
90th Percentile $216,080

Environmental Engineer Salary in Other California Cities

How to Become a Environmental Engineer in Los Angeles

Education

Most environmental engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Los Angeles and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Environmental RemediationWater TreatmentAir QualityEPA RegulationsGISProject Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, environmental engineer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Los Angeles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Environmental Engineer Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open environmental engineer positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Engineer Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Environmental Engineer make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median environmental engineer salary in Los Angeles, California is $141,357 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median of $96,820. Salaries range from $89,060 (10th percentile) to $216,080 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Engineer make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $141,357, a environmental engineer in Los Angeles earns approximately $68 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for environmental engineer pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median environmental engineer salary of $141,357 is 5.8% above the California state average of $133,612. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a environmental engineer salary of $141,357 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental engineer in Los Angeles? ▼
Most environmental engineer positions in Los Angeles require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Environmental Remediation, Water Treatment, Air Quality, EPA Regulations. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.